Agapanthus 'Black Buddha'

This clumping lily of the Nile boasts a unique combination of violet-blue flowers and tall black stalks. The showy blooms come on in summer, adding a stunning accent to the garden, container, or cutflower arrangement. A great choice for a larger planter, 'Black Buddha' actually flowers better when its roots are contained. Another benefit of growing this gorgeous lily of the Nile in a container is that you can bring it indoors for the winter, protecting it from the icy chill of winter.

This African blue lily is originally a native of South Africa and Madagascar, which unfortunately means that it is tender to the ravages of winter. Through cultivation in Europe this species has become a bit hardier, but 'Black Buddha' still appreciates a nice blanket of mulch in the winter. This bit of necessary winter maintenance will be well rewarded in the summer.

In July the black, strap-shaped foliage boasts large umbels of deep blue funnel-shaped flowers. When the sun shines on these stems, it only intensifies the color to a deep, royal purple. This variety of Agapanthus praecox blooms starting in July and finishing in August.

This agapanthus grows up to 2 feet tall and wide (3 feet tall when in bloom). This genus was named by the ancient Greeks; it's name comes from the words "agape" (unconditional love) and "anthos" (flower). And when you see the exotic, delicate beauty of these flowers, you will understand why.

Plant 'Black Buddha' in part- to full-sun in well-drained soil. This exotic plant actually tolerates drought and a broad variety of soils (acid to alkaline, sandy, and even clay soils), so long as the soil is very well-drained and not too cold.